Investigation of the processes of catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide

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Objective

This research project brings together six laboratories currently engaged in the study of carbon dioxide chemistry and reactivity. Each research group contributes a different operative ability and equipment availability. The combined network has the necessary integrated experience and knowledge to approach in the best way the vast problem of carbon dioxide reactivity. This network of laboratories will co-operate on other projects in the same area of interest. The network is open to participation by other laboratories who may contribute additional experience and equipment for the benefit of all partners.

This project aims to create synergic effects among partners for the most efficient and effective use of the expertise of each research group. Indeed, the actual partners have long experience in the following areas: carbon dioxide recovery; carbon dioxide co-ordination chemistry; carbon dioxide use in synthetic organic chemistry (carboxylation and carbonation reactions); carbon dioxide reduction to other C1 molecules; carbon dioxide fixation using electrochemical techniques; electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction; use of enzymes for carbon dioxide utilization/reduction; synthesis and use of biomimetic systems; synthesis of ligands for new metal complexes able to co-ordinate and convert carbon dioxide; use of supercritical (SC) carbon dioxide as solvent; and use of SC carbon dioxide as reagent.

During the course of the project, partners will want to open their laboratories to give the others the possibility of scientific discussions; for carrying out specific experiments; for developing common experiments; and for agreeing integrated approaches to problem solving relevant to any of the topics mentioned above. The output of the activity will be a better understanding of the reaction mechanism of carbon dioxide conversion, both in carboxylation and reduction to other C1 molecules, which should contribute to improving the ability to design catalysts for developing a clean chemical industry based on CO2 and the knowledge of natural enzymatic reactions.